Steve Bullman

ECHO has introduced two rear handle chainsaws designed for easy starting. Both are lightweight, versatile and packed with features that enhance operator comfort and convenience. The ergonomic design ensures manoeuvrability and precision, making them ideal for pruning and cutting firewood. The ECHO CS-3510AC is built for casual users and farmers looking for a reliable all-round saw to get through work quickly. Equally, it will suit the keen gardener who needs a chainsaw for infrequent tasks or is new to using one. The saw features an auto choke with a solenoid valve at the carburettor. This controls the amount of fuel needed, depending on the engine’s temperature, for optimal performance. There are several benefits to this. Firstly, there is no choke lever. The engine start is simply a primary pump and recoil action for faster starting. With the automated system controlling the fuel supply, there is no risk of carburettor flooding. The premium 34.4cc engine is manufactured in Japan to the highest standards for increased performance, extended product life and less downtime. Combined with the light weight of just 3.8kg and compact design it helps reduce operator fatigue, offers longer use and maximum power. The CS-3510ES is equipped with ECHO's patented ES Start for easy starting every time. A professional-grade 34.4cc engine and dry weight of just 3.7kg give you a saw that gets to work fast and powers through tasks. It is built specifically for versatility and ease of use. The anti-vibration system minimises vibration levels to give excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and precision when cutting. There is a momentary switch for a quick and easy engine restart, side-access chain tensioner for quick chain adjustment and an automatic clutch-drive oiler to lubricate the chain. A transparent fuel tank provides easy level checks and there is G-Force Engine Air Pre-Cleaner, to reduce engine exposure to dirt and debris, for less maintenance and longer life. Lightweight construction and ECHO Easy Start technology make the CS-3510ES a great choice for domestic use and on the smallholding or farm. Both chainsaws come with a 2-year commercial or 5-year domestic warranty. Find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 01844 278800 for more information.

Confor has welcomed the latest confirmation that the UK Government is committed to planting 30,000 hectares of new woodland annually by 2025. A £92 million funding pot, part of the £640m Nature for Climate Fund, was announced for 2021-22 by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The funding announcement said the money would "keep us on track to restore more peatlands and plant 30,000 hectares of trees a year by the end of this Parliament." Stuart Goodall, CEO of Confor, said: "This is good news, in that it reaffirms the commitment to the ambitious 30,000 hectare planting target. "However, we won’t hit the target without planting larger areas of woodland, which will only happen in rural areas, and that doesn’t just need funding, but also a change in culture and slicker delivery. "We need to recognise tree planting as a huge positive - to help meet our climate change obligations and to support a green recovery in our rural areas. "In terms of delivery, Confor wants the current costly, complex and cumbersome procedures for planting to be streamlined, to reduce cost and time and to give people confidence to plant." Mr Goodall added: "We also need the constituent parts of the UK to work together and agree targets." Confor has called for co-ordination of UK-wide targets in its response to the EFRA committee inquiry into tree planting. Currently, there is no specific target for England. Confor's response also calls for a review of UK planting procedures, similar to the Mackinnon review, credited with driving up planting in Scotland. More than 80% of UK trees are currently planted in Scotland. Jim Mackinnon, who led the Scottish review, will speak at the next meeting of the All Party parliamentary Group on Forestry and Tree Planting on December 10th. The online event is called One year on from the general election, is the Government on course to meet its tree planting targets? More details and how to sign up here.